Feature: A clash of perspective

Simon Osborne of Allegion UK explains how modern solutions meet the contrasting demands of architects and door hardware manufacturers striving for aesthetic perfection as well as functionality, safety and security

Specification of modern door handware products depends on a number of issues including ease of maintenance and cleaning to aesthetics and accessibility

A frustrating game of give-and-take.

That is what the common architect’s mindset must be when it comes to door hardware.

Of course, there are many considerations when choosing a product.

On choice, the globalisation of the industry means there are now vast ranges available on the market.

Balancing aesthetics, security and safety needs, standards requirements, and product integration is not an easy job, and one that is seldom achieved, particularly on large commercial projects

On compliance, increasing media scrutiny means we must get it right or face potential backlash, while legislations that health and safety institutions and government bodies impose are constantly changing.

This all makes today’s door hardware world a complex one that architects must contend with.

Balancing aesthetics, security and safety needs, standards requirements, and product integration is not an easy job, and one that is seldom achieved, particularly on large commercial projects.

Let’s face it - finding door hardware that looks good, AND functions like it’s supposed to, AND adheres to the necessary building codes, AND integrates with other products all within the budget constraints, you would think, is probably a nigh-on-impossible task.

Simon Osborne of Allegion UK

Looks matter

To the architect, it is no surprise that the primary consideration is aesthetics.

For door hardware, it would be best if it were invisible.

A recent interview from our US headquarters with Marceli Botticelli, an architect with Payette, demonstrates this point perfectly.

Botticelli shared some common thoughts across the architect’s world, saying that ‘architects like thin profiles and abstract designs, so door hardware by nature can be in conflict with that’ and that while they know door hardware ‘serves a purpose’, they really just want it to ‘disappear from an opening as much as possible’.

As some manufacturers have tried making panic hardware with a more-minimalist look, the trade-off is that they become less durable and functionality worsens

While some modern door hardware components are now much better at concealing themselves, such as door closers, other components are naturally much harder to hide, and in some cases must be visible to be able to fulfil their purpose, such as panic exit devices - point of contention for the architect, and one of the first compromises.

As some manufacturers have tried making panic hardware with a more-minimalist look, the trade-off is that they become less durable and functionality worsens – highlighting the difficult balancing act manufacturers and architects face in achieving each other’s’ dreams.

Safety, security and standards

The next compromise an architect is commonly faced with is when they must take into account the level of security an opening needs.

How you secure a main perimeter door varies greatly from an interior one, and then the type of interior space – storage, classroom or highly-sensitive areas such as labs or data centres – also dictates the hardware used.

In addition, meeting standards needs to be factored in. Is the opening fire-rated? Does it meet the accessibility requirements?

All of these considerations directly influence the type of hardware that can be used on a door.

It is at this point where it can potentially get even stickier between manufacturer and architect, as while aesthetics are important; the ultimate priority of security and safety door hardware is to prioritise the health of building occupants and to satisfy the security aspects that the opening in question needs.

The key to navigating this balancing act is by having a knowledgeable manufacturer on your side to understand what your visions are, what rooms are needed, and how you intend for your building and openings to look

As a result, architects have often had to compromise the flow of their desired buildings, and you can eventually end up with hundreds of different doors and components that don’t match with each other.

The general effect becomes one that is clunky and clumsy, with integration not possible due to the mix of hardware unable to communicate with each other.

This then causes a nightmare for facilities managers and the ongoing maintenance schedules and for any retrofitting that may be required in future.

A collaborative approach

As more and more architects battle against their will to door hardware, it is here where manufacturers should be more collaborative and understanding in the approach right from the outset.

The key to navigating this balancing act is by having a knowledgeable manufacturer on your side to understand what your visions are, what rooms are needed, and how you intend for your building and openings to look.

This way, recommendations and full-scale building solutions can be produced, as opposed to haphazard suggestions midway through a project.

It is always ideal if an architect brings in the spec writer early in the process, such as when schematics are being done. This is when security and door design decisions are being made.

Asking the architect to sketch their visions for an opening is when we as manufacturers can see what is wanted and thus recommend the products that will accomplish that goal

While products may not be specified at this point, manufacturers can still provide guidance on whether or not something can be realised, or what options are available to accomplish an objective.

There are a series of selections an architect makes before door hardware which then directly affects the hardware that can be used. These include door material, profile, thickness, style dimensions, and frame material.

Such decisions can have a domino effect, and the sooner the manufacturer can get involved, the more likely it is that an architect’s exact vision can be achieved.

Good collaboration involves lots of open dialogue, questioning and even drawing. Asking the architect to sketch their visions for an opening is when we as manufacturers can see what is wanted and thus recommend the products that will accomplish that goal.